Russia to receive new fighters by early 2017

Russia will receive its first batch of fifth generation fighters in late 2016 or early 2017, the head of Russia’s United Aircraft Corp. said Monday.

Sukhoi, which is part of UAC, has already delivered four prototypes and two test beds of the aircraft, known as the T-50, and will deliver another three flying prototypes this year, Yuri Slyusar, the head of UAC, said at the Paris Air Show.

“That means testing can be expanded and more faster,” said a spokesman.

“There are no delays on this program,” he added.

In a press conference outlining UAC’s current activities, Slyusar said a full R&D collaboration contract would be signed this year with India for joint work on the version of the T-50 India is developing. Russian and Indian engineers are already exchanging visits.